COMING SOON: Cult-favourite chicken chain El Jannah is finally coming to Adelaide

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If you’ve ever visited Sydney seen queues for charcoal chicken and garlic sauce, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered El Jannah.

Now, the cult-favourite chicken chain has finally found its way to Adelaide.

Originally from Western Sydney, El Jannah has grown from a family-run Lebanese chicken shop into a national destination, building a loyal following for its smoky charcoal chicken, generous servings and rich sauces.

For those who have never tried it, El Jannah is more than your average takeaway chicken shop. It’s the sort of place people make a point of visiting when they’re interstate.

In fact, El Jannah’s Chief Marketing Officer Adam Issa revealed that hundreds of South Australians have been visiting the brand’s Sydney and Melbourne restaurants, something the company has been able to track through its loyalty program.

“We know Adelaide and Adelaideans are foodies and food critics, and we know that our chicken is amongst the best in the nation,” Adam said.

“So the goal for us was how do we introduce it now to the locals so that they can tell us what they think about our chicken.”

And there’s plenty for Adelaide food lovers to look forward to.

At the centre of it all is El Jannah’s signature Lebanese charcoal chicken, marinated for 24 – 48 hours in Mediterranean spices before being cooked over hot charcoal.

“We’re talking very hot, not barbecue-style stuff.”

This cooking process gives the chicken that distinctive smoky flavour, and when paired with the brand’s legendary garlic sauce, known as toum, it’s easy to see why it has Australia in a chokehold.

The entire El Jannah menu will be up for grabs, so newcomers can try their charcoal chicken, falafel, burgers and rolls. There’ll also be plenty of Lebanese favourites, including tabouli, fattoush salad with pomegranate molasses and crispy Lebanese bread, and freshly made hummus.

And in some good timing for the Adelaide launch, the brand is introducing a new freshly squeezed lemonade nationally, made using Australian lemons and infused with Lebanese flavours.

Much of El Jannah’s appeal comes from its approach to food, with recipes and cooking methods rooted in the sort of meals traditionally shared around a Lebanese family table.

“It stems from family values … It’s the things that you’d want to feed your family, your friends, and that’s what really has always driven this brand.”

“We want to make sure that we can showcase what it means to be Lebanese and what it means to welcome someone into our home, how to feed them and how to feed them right.”

The company prepares its own chicken, hummus and cuts its salads in-store. Even the Lebanese bread served at the new Glenelg restaurant will be made locally by a Lebanese family. Adam stressed that maintaining that quality in their nurturing and comforting food is an important point of difference.

As for why Glenelg was chosen for El Jannah’s South Australian debut, the answer lies in the coastal suburb’s bustling food scene and its popularity with locals and visitors throughout summer. Adam said a walk along Jetty Road, with its mix of international cuisines, helped reinforce that Glenelg was the right place to introduce the brand.

And while the chicken might be what first draws people through the doors, Adam hopes South Australians will discover something more about the Lebanese culture and hospitality behind the brand.